Hygiene simplistically refers to cleanliness of thr person and his immediate environment in order to avert infections, and maintain good health. It involves the internalization of the practice of basic rules of good health such as handwashing, safe handling of body wastes especially excreta; safe handling of drinking water, food, etc. Hygiene as a strategy in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS should continue to receive prominence in the countries where living conditions and basic amenities are still below minimum standards.

For PLWHA, hygiene is critical in the prevention of opportunistic infections. Basic hygiene practices such as handwashing, help to create barriers against the infections that do prey on somebody whose immune system has been compromised.
There is also the issue of decency and dignified conduct which are implicit issues in hygiene. Hygienic behaviour does not encourage unprotected sex, maintenance of multiple sexual partners and all other indecent and dirt-filled actions and activities.

Sterilization is a critical strategy in the prevention of non-sexually transmitted HIV. Sterilization procedures in Cosmetic centres, hospitals, Clinics, Health Care Centres; including the safe handling of blood and medical wastes are all elements of hygiene.

Hygiene promotion strategies should therefore continue to be recognized in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The more participatory these strategies are, the better.

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